First Coast Cultural Center (FCCC) was one of 18 nonprofits in Florida awarded a grant from the Autism License Plate Fund and the Autism Services Grants Council to support programs serving individuals with autism and related disabilities.
Sound Connections Music Therapy (SCMT), an outreach program of the center, reaches nearly 300 students a week in four St. Johns County schools.
“SCMT supports students with autism and related disabilities by providing no-cost, therapeutic interventions within the school setting,” according to Candice Sirak, senior music therapist and SCMT manager. “This grant allows us to continue our mission of providing structured, data-informed, music-therapy services to elementary students with special needs, particularly those in Title I schools.”
Sirak said SCMT sessions are not only engaging and accessible, but they are also grounded in measurable outcomes and continuous progress monitoring.
“We apply clinically validated techniques to target individualized goals across communication, language, academic readiness and social-emotional functioning,” she said.
There are nearly 15,000 Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plates on the road, demonstrating strong statewide support for funding programs that serve individuals with autism and related disabilities. In September, the Autism Services Grants Council awarded grants totaling nearly $160,000 from sales of the specialty license plate to nonprofit organizations, providing vital services around the state for individuals with autism and related disabilities.
“Florida’s nonprofit organizations are working tirelessly to increase access to programs and resources aimed at improving the lives of children and adults with autism and their families,” said Arc Broward Vice President Jennifer Stewart, chair of the Autism Services Grants Council in Florida. “Funding from every purchase or renewal of a Florida autism license plate makes it possible to reach even more people, opening doors, fostering inclusion and making a real difference in people’s lives.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates about one in 31 children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder. A report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggests that around 120,000 adolescents with autism will transition to adulthood each year in the United States, highlighting the pressing need for expanding community resources.
The Autism License Plate Fund and the Autism Services Grant Council are administered by Arc Broward, a nationally accredited, Florida, non-profit, Section 501(c)(3) exempt organization.
For more information, go to autismlicenseplate.com/grants, call 954-746-9400 or contact info@autismlicenseplate.com.
